Nucleur frisson: US, NZ kiss and make up

US Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton
signed an accord with New Zealand in Wellington yesterday marking the rebuilding of relations derailed 25 years ago by a nuclear feud.

Mrs Clinton signed the “Wellington Declaration" after attending a formal Maori welcome and meeting senior poiticians, including Prime Minister
John Key
. Her visit is part of a two-week trip meant to bolster alliances in the Asia-Pacific region.

The US is seeking to renew its relationship with New Zealand after Wellington introduced legislation in 1984 that banned nuclear-powered and armed ships from entering its ports. The law, passed by then prime minister David Lange, damaged military and political ties and ended New Zealand’s involvement in the ANZUS defence treaty that includes Australia.

“The declaration marks a commitment by our two countries to translate common interests into common action across a wide range of issues," Mrs Clinton said. “It promises greater co-operation in addressing global challenges and it commits us to working together more closely to confront those challenges we share as Pacific nations."

Relations were “the strongest and most productive" in 25 years, she said. Relations date to 1839, when the US sent consular officials to protect its shipping and whaling interests.